Banished from the herd, I was actually a member of a very rare species. ~With the unique skills that only I can use, I can grow and evolve quickly. I will become an unrivaled monster~ - Episode 27: The Enchanting Fruit

Episode 29: The Enchanting Fruit

While I was running away the Giant Bear, I moved in a way to lead it towards the less populated area. In other words, deeper into the forest. 

As a result, the place where I am now has a dense concentration of |Mana|. 

As I felt an ominous premonition of encountering a formidable enemy, I continued through the forest.

“(Hmm, it’s kind of hard to walk here.)”

In my evolved form as a Grand Beast, I’m about the size of a small elephant. 

Although this forest isn’t so dense that I can’t move at all, there are enough obstacles to make it physically cramped.

“(Alright, let’s make use of the slime’s abilities here.)”

I reshaped my body into a long rectangular shape and moved forward, slithering like a snake.

Since this form isn’t too different from my basic cubic shape, maintaining it doesn’t tire me out much. 

After slipping through the trees for a while, I arrived at a clearing. 

The clearing was a gentle hill that rose higher toward the center.

“(That fruit looks delicious.)”

In the center stood a fruit tree. Even in my {Evolved} form, I had to look up to see its top, as it was a massive tree.

Its branches were laden with vibrant fruits. Even from a distance, I could tell they were ripe.

Despite being a single tree, the fruits on each branch varied in color and shape. It was something you’d only see in a different world.

“(Alright, let’s try one of these.)”

With my {Evolution}, my stomach (if you can call it that) had expanded.

Also, the [Food Storage] skill had evolved into [Storage], increasing its capacity.

It wouldn’t hurt to replenish my energy here.

“(Hmm… okay, I’ll go with that orange one.)”

Out of the countless fruits, I chose one shaped like a crescent moon, resembling a banana from Earth.

However, unlike bananas, they weren’t in bunches but attached individually to the branches. And instead of being yellow, they were orange.

Visually, it looked like a certain crescent-shaped snack.

(Note:

“Kaki no Tane”. This is the only thing that I could find. Not sure if it’s accurate)

“(Alright, time to eat!)”

I absorbed the orange banana, peel and all, into my body.

As it dissolved in my digestive fluid and was absorbed, an exquisite sweetness spread throughout me.

“(Delicious…)”

It was so delicious that I couldn’t help but sigh. The fruit’s taste was that good.

It was similar to a melon, with a soft yet strong sweetness that was incredibly satisfying.

I finished eating it in no time, and just as I was about to reach for another…

“(Wh-what’s… happening?)”

I realized I couldn’t move.

No matter how much I tried, I couldn’t budge.

No, saying “tried” isn’t entirely accurate. 

I couldn’t muster any strength at all.

It felt like the numbness after sitting on your legs for too long.

“(Ugh!?)”

Before I had time to think, the situation progressed.

Suddenly, several roots broke through the ground and wrapped around me.

“Djyaaa…!”

Then, a vertical crack appeared in the tree’s bark.

As the jagged crack split open like lightning, countless fangs were revealed inside the tree.

“(No way… Is this a Treant!?)”

I searched my knowledge to identify the enemy.

I had heard of monsters that could mimic trees, but this was my first time encountering one.

The roots coiled around me and shot me into the Treant’s mouth.

It couldn’t swallow me whole in my current form, but part of my body was inside its mouth.

The crack began to close, and the fangs approached.

I was being squeezed by the sharp wooden teeth, and my body— 

Clang!

—wasn’t scratched at all.

“(Well, of course.)”

There aren’t many monsters that could break through my |Toughness|, which is over 2000.

As I was gnawed on a few times, I observed the inside of its mouth.

“(It doesn’t seem to have a throat. Where does it absorb things from…?)”

New questions arose, but there didn’t seem to be any particular weak point inside its mouth.

Though, being inside its mouth, it was likely softer than other parts of its body.

But more importantly—

“(Alright, fully recovered!)”

The fact that the paralysis had worn off was more significant.

My |Resist|had been strengthened with the [Perfect Defense] skill. Most status ailments don’t affect me. And even if they do, they wear off quickly.

“(Time to move—[Lightning Strike]!)”

“Gyiigiiiii!”

My counterattack began with a burst of lightning.

I used a lot of |Mana|, sending multiple lightning strikes at it.

“(And now for the Hedgehog Attack!)”

Using my shape-shifting ability, I extended spears from the part of my body that was inside its mouth.

I utilized the increased volume from my {Evolution} to its fullest, stabbing between the gaps in its teeth.

―――Non-Notification Information Recording Zone―――――――――――――

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>> Fuwa Katsu {Jewel Armory Slime} has acquired the [Skill: Thrust].

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“Gyuuaa!”

“([Unyielding Spirit]!)”

Roots extended from outside, trying to tear me off. But I held my ground with my [Skill]. 

Well, since my feet weren’t actually on the ground, I’m not sure if “held my ground” is the right expression. 

In any case, by continuously dealing damage with my [Dissolution Liquid] and [Consecutive Hits], the Treant writhed in agony.

Outside, the branches shook violently, as if a sudden storm had hit.

“Uoooooh!”

I wonder how much time passed like this.

Before I knew it, the Treant’s resistance had ceased, and a surge of power filled my body.

My <Level> had increased.

And so, the first battle of the Jewel Armory Slime came to an end.

―――Non-Notification Information Recording Zone―――――――――――――

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>> Fuwa Katsu {Jewel Armory Slime}’s Soul Accumulation Level has increased to 62.

>> Fuwa Katsu {Jewel Armory Slime} has acquired the [Skill: Voracious Eater].

>> Acquired [Skill: Antibody]. [Voracious Eater] has been integrated.

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By the way, since it would have been a waste to leave the remaining fruits behind, I ate them little by little. I ended up gaining some strange new [Skills].